3 John 13–15
13 13I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. 14 14I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.
15 15Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name.
Section Overview
John closes his letter with standard greetings infused with Christian elements, stating his desire to see Gaius.
Section Outline
- III. Letter Closing (vv. 13–15)
Response
John is no aloof pastor checking items off a list so he can get on with more important or interesting matters. Here is a busy pastor dealing with controversy in a way that clearly demonstrates his love and care for individuals in the church. He can communicate from a distance and does so, but he longs to see them, to be in their presence. Then he can really discern how they are faring and ensure that he is doing everything possible for their well-being. Furthermore, the church is not merely a collective group to him. He asks for them to be greeted “by name.” It is doubtful whether people can be pastored merely as a group, as if a pastor could oversee souls if he does not even know their names.